Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2009-14 models

Tested vehicle: 2012 Acura TL 4-door

The Acura TL was redesigned for the 2009 model year. Two tests of the TL were conducted because the onboard (car interior) cameras failed during the first test. As a result, the restraints and dummy kinematics rating is based primarily on the second test although camera views from outside the car suggest that there were very similar results in the first test. Injury and structural ratings are based on both tests.

Overall evaluation

G

Structure and safety cage

A

Injury measures

Head/neck

G

Chest

G

Hip/thigh

G

Lower leg/foot

G

Restraints and dummy kinematics

G

Action shot taken during the second of two small overlap frontal crash tests.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the second crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well (intrusion pattern in first test appeared very similar).

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

Except for door hinge pillar deformation, intrusion into the driver's space was reasonably well controlled, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low (second test shown).

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shares and supports this mission through scientific studies of insurance data representing the human and economic losses resulting from the ownership and operation of different types of vehicles and by publishing insurance loss results by vehicle make and model.